MCIU English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CPE credits?
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits are credits awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; coursework is offered through the Intermediate Unit System. These credits are considered graduate level and can be applied toward obtaining Instruction II certification and for Act 48 purposes. Each CPE credit requires 14 in-class hours and 16 out-of-class hours in the form of assignments and the completion of a culminating project.
What is the difference between enrolling in a course for CPE credit or for graduate credit?
Course requirement are the same for CPE credit and graduate credit:
• 100 % attendance
• Satisfactory completion of all assignments
• Successful demonstration of all course competencies
CPE courses are pass/fail and participants receive a Letter of Completion. Participants enrolling for graduate credit receive a letter grade and a grade report from Immaculata University.
If I decided that I need to change my credit type once I have registered, may I do so?
Students may change enrollment status from CPE credit to Immaculata graduate credit or from Immaculata graduate credit to CPE credit, up to five (5) business days after the start of the course. Participants must send a written request to Lois Winton at
lwinton@mciu.org to request a change. The request must be received in writing by the end of the fifth (5th) business day from the start of the course. This is the final opportunity for a change to occur. Important Note: Please check with your employer's Human Resource Office to find out if they require actual graduate credits. If so, you must take the courses for Immaculata credits only.
Do I have to be enrolled at Immaculata to receive graduate credit?
No, all registration should be done with the MCIU. You should only formally enroll at Immaculata if you wish to enroll in Immaculata’s Master’s Program. Immaculata has approved all MCIU ESL Program Specialist courses for graduate credit.
Is there a particular order in which I must take the courses?
No, the courses have been designed as independent courses of study; teachers may take the courses in any order.
Can I receive credit for experiences teaching ESL classrooms?
No, experience will not be accepted as demonstration of PDE required competencies.
How will I know if MCIU has received my registration?
Confirmations will be sent via email for each course registration.
Can I register for a course after the registration deadline?
Yes, you can register after the deadline if space remains available in the course. Include a $15 late registration fee with your course registration.
What do I do if I’ve registered for a course and can’t attend?
See the MCIU Cancellation and Withdrawal Procedures by accessing the following link:
Withdrawal/Refund Procedure
How will Act 48 hours be reported?
MCIU will directly report Act 48 hours to PDE for participants earning CPE credit. Graduate credit participants will complete an Act 48 request form for Immaculata at the first class session. Immaculata will report graduate credits directly to PDE.
Each participant is responsible for arrangement for salary credit and financial reimbursement with their district. Each participant is responsible for submitting the required paperwork, e.g. Letter of Completion, to their school district.